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7.12.11

How to Prevent Car Theft

Here are some pointers on how to avoid or at least lessen
the risk of becoming a car theft victim:

Find a Good Car Lock System

The cheapest hindrance to car theft is to lock your car and
remove the keys. Leaving the keys inside the car, especially in conspicuous
places such as the dashboard, invites danger.
A better option is having a plastic duplicate of your key set built into
a credit card-size plastic sheet that fits in your pocketbook. These duplicate
keys can be bought from car parts stores available for various car makes.

Set Up A Car Alarm System

There are numerous types of electronic car alarm systems or
a combination of alarms/fuel starvation systems. Generally, the systems could cost around $150
to $300. The alarm systems function by disabling the car or sounding an
alarm-or both-when the driver's door is unlocked and an override button is not
triggered. The override is concealed from the thief's vision. These systems are
effective, but only if you remember to set the alarm as you leave your car.
(And you should not forget to set the switch when you return inside the car, or
you will activate the ear-piercing warning signal.) To get proper security,
you'll have to place a detector on each door, not only the driver's door. That
would cost additional expense.

Car alarm systems may sometimes come at a discounted price,
so shop for the best bargain. To get the most savings, you may even install the
system yourself, but do this only when you are reasonably experienced in
dealing with the mechanics of the car. You can also purchase through mail-order
ads in reputable car magazines or buy your car alarm systems online. At the
least, acquire a system that activates your car horn (or a very loud warning
signal) and flashes your headlights. There are alarms are barely audible in
heavy traffic.

Cheaper alternatives to alarms are steel bar locks that
fasten onto your steering wheel and occasionally the brake pedal. The car won't
move until the bar is unlatched or drilled free. These will not stop car nappers,
but it'll slow them down.

Avoid Flamboyant Accessories

Occasionally car accessories, and not the car itself, are
the objects of theft. The high end sound system, for example, is a favorite; so
are the detachable roof parts on T-roof cars. Faux radio fronts can be bought
to cloak a high-priced model. High-performance tires and aluminum-alloy wheels
are also often stolen-keep them fastened securely on with key-locking lug nuts,
available at auto parts stores. Do not buy a car having flashy accessories if
you will be regularly parking in unsecured or a high-crime location.